Thomas Jefferson once said "The wise know their weaknesses too well to assume infallibility and he who knows most knows best how little he knows."

Welcome to your February eZine

The first few months of the New Year are opportune to reassess our goals and ourselves. This year, more than any other, our achievements as well as our opportunities rely on each of us. How can we make sure we come out of the pandemic more confident and skilled, ready to take on life as it will present itself when we begin a new normal?

We have two choices during this pandemic:

1. To bemoan our circumstances and put up with them.
2. To accept the challenges presented to us. To use them to illuminate our true confidence and ability. To grow and change for the better during challenging times.

This month's eZine highlights two ways to execute the second choice.

The first is a unique series of learning experiences called Tero Clinics: Learning in Small Doses. Tero Clinics are 90-minute interactive sessions that allow "learning in small doses" about topics relevant to you. Our schedules are not predictable. We are working remotely and individually. Learning opportunities must afford us choice not only of time but also topic. In this eZine you will find the link to explore seven categories of Clinics from Leadership to Diversity and Inclusion. Choose a single Clinic or book a series. Clinics strengthen confidence by strengthening skills.

The second way to come out stronger has to do with self-awareness. In 2020 Tero conducted a research project on the role confidence plays in success. We invite you to read our featured article: The Confidence Project by Tero President, Ro Crosbie. Watch the corresponding video series on Tero's YouTube Channel to see the link between confidence and success.

Our quiz will test your knowledge about confidence and the Q&A tackles a tip for getting motivated as well as how to move in mindset and action from manager to leader. Dr. Harwant Khush's latest article unpacks research on what it means to be a narcissist and why narcissism seems to be on the rise.

There isn't a better time to be self-aware and upskill yourself. Your goal of arriving at the end of the pandemic with enhanced ability and knowledge is advantageous. Greeting the new normal better than before is doable.

Tero Clinics: Learning in Small Doses allows participants to engage in meaningful discussions and activities while building awareness and skills. More than 50 Clinics across seven categories are offered:  leadership, communication, influence, DEI, selling, hiring and personal effectiveness. Check them out. You'll find one or more that are a perfect fit for your professional development goals. Email training@tero.com with questions.

What do you think of you? What are you good at? What are you not so good at? What is your self-image? Don't think about what others think of you. What do you think of yourself? This month our audible feature from the book Your Invisible Toolbox builds on our confidence theme in this eZine and challenges us to control the beliefs we have about ourselves. Please listen to Your Invisible Toolbox Chapter 95 “Don't Think About It”

Tero was included among the Best of in the Business Record’s Readers Poll again in 2020. Thank you to all of our clients, workshop participants, Tero graduates and everyone who voted for Tero International.  Thank  you for the confidence you've placed in Tero International for your professional development. In the category of Best Training and Development Company, Tero International has been named on the Best Of List by the Des Moines Business Record in their annual Reader's Poll every year since the category was introduced in 2007.

Confidence Quiz Explored Further: 

1. True or False: Well-founded confidence requires self-awareness.
   True. Self-awareness allows us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses so we are not fooled by blind spots in our abilities.
2. True or False: High confidence, regardless of skill level, leads to satisfaction.
   False. High confidence coupled with a high skill level in handling a task or relationship leads to satisfaction.
3. True or False: People who are high in confidence and high in skills often think there is nothing more to learn.
   False. Those possessing high confidence and high skills are typically eager, curious learners who recognize there is always more to learn.
4. True or False: Low confidence and low skill level can result in higher confidence over time as skills grow and improve.
   True. Although the person with low skill and low confidence may approach learning with nervousness and caution, acquisition of skills often inspires confidence.
5. Illusory superiority is a blind spot of lacking skills and being unaware of it. Someone feels confident but does not possess competence.
   True. This can occur when we are promoted without skill growth and mentoring or when we mistake skills needed as easy when they are complex. Either way it is a trap and can limit us in the long run.